Traveling from College Place to Federal Way covers 274.6 miles and typically takes about 5 hours and 16 minutes behind the wheel. Because this journey is entirely within Washington, you will stay within the Pacific Coast region for the duration of the trip. Plan for a fuel budget of approximately $58 to complete the drive. While it is feasible to tackle this as a one-day trek, it is a significant amount of time on the road, so prepare accordingly. You will rely primarily on US 12, US 97, and I-82 to navigate your way across the state. Whether you are heading west for business or a change of scenery, this route is a straightforward highway-focused drive that connects two distinct parts of the region.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
137.3 miles from College Place, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 35m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 12
112.6 mi
2h 5m
US 97
85.7 mi
1h 35m
I 82
31 mi
33m
State Route 18
24.2 mi
31m
I 182
11.8 mi
12m
Wallula Avenue
2.1 mi
3m
South Peasley Canyon Road
1.8 mi
3m
South 320th Street
1.4 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
US 12
— 112.6 mi, about 2h 5m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between College Place, WA and Federal Way, WA.
1
Start on East Whitman Drive
61 ft·5 sec·East Whitman Drive
2
Turn right onto North College Avenue
0.3 mi·34 sec·North College Avenue
3
Turn left
174 ft·7 sec
4
Continue on North College Avenue
0.2 mi·18 sec·North College Avenue
5
Enter roundabout
88 ft·2 sec
6
Continue
137 ft·6 sec
7
Continue on Wallula Avenue
2.1 mi·3 min·Wallula Avenue
8
At end of road, turn left onto Old Highway 12
1.2 mi·2 min·Old Highway 12
9
Turn right onto Spalding Road
0.2 mi·18 sec·Spalding Road
10
Turn left onto US 12
23 mi·26 min·US 12
11
Keep slight right at fork
287 ft·3 sec
12
Merge onto US 12
19 mi·21 min·US 12
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 182; US 12
12 mi·12 min·I 182; US 12
Toward I 182, US 12Use the straight lane.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto US 12
71 mi·1 hr 17 min·US 12
Toward I 82 West, US 12 West: Prosser, Yakima
15
Continue on I 82; US 97
31 mi·33 min·I 82; US 97
16
Keep slight left at fork onto US 97
86 mi·1 hr 35 min·US 97
Toward I 90 WestUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Exit 25Toward WA 18 West: AuburnUse the slight right lane.
18
Keep slight left at fork
448 ft·13 sec
Toward SR 18 west, Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn, TacomaUse the straight / left / right lanes.
19
Merge onto WA 18
0.3 mi·25 sec·Snoqualmie Parkway
20
Continue on WA 18
24 mi·31 min·State Route 18
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.2 mi·19 sec
Toward WA 167: Renton, PuyallupUse the slight right lane.
22
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·26 sec
Toward WA 167 South: Puyallup, West Valley HighwayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·24 sec
Toward West Valley HighwayUse the straight / right lanes.
24
At end of road, turn left onto West Valley Highway North
0.1 mi·20 sec·West Valley Highway North
Use the straight lane.
25
Turn right onto South Peasley Canyon Road
0.7 mi·1 min·South Peasley Canyon Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
26
Enter roundabout onto South Peasley Canyon Road
67 ft·1 sec·South Peasley Canyon Road
27
Continue on South Peasley Canyon Road
1.0 mi·1 min·South Peasley Canyon Road
Use the left lane.
28
Continue on South 320th Street
1.4 mi·3 min·South 320th Street
29
Turn right onto WA 99
0.5 mi·55 sec·Pacific Highway South
30
Turn right onto South 312th Street
158 ft·5 sec·South 312th Street
Use the right lane.
31
Turn right
24 ft·1 sec
32
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Since this is a 5-hour and 16-minute drive, aim to depart early in the morning to beat potential congestion as you approach the Federal Way area. You only need to plan for one major stop to keep your schedule on track and stay refreshed throughout the 274.6-mile trek. Given the heavy reliance on US 12, US 97, and I-82, keep an eye on your fuel gauge during the longer highway stretches, as service stations may be spaced out. Use your single planned stop to stretch your legs after the longest 112.6-mile segment on US 12 to ensure you remain alert for the final leg of your journey. Having this flexibility allows you to manage the drive comfortably in a single day.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 137.3 miles from College Place, WA, or about 2h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 112.6 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 60 miles or 1h 11m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 137.3 miles or 2h 35m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 12m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Federal Way, WA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving College Place, WA so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from College Place, WA
This is one driving day of about 274.6 miles and 5h 16m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 60 miles from College Place, WA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on US 12 for about 112.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 23
5 decision points cluster between mile 45.8 and 270.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
45.8 mi into trip|~55m in|I 182; US 12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 182; US 12 toward I 182, US 12
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 182, US 12
7
159.5 mi into trip|~2h 59m in|US 97
Keep slight left at fork onto US 97 toward I 90 West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 90 West
9
245.5 mi into trip|~4h 35m in
Keep slight left at fork toward SR 18 west, Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn, Tacoma
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
Toward SR 18 west, Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn,...
9
270.4 mi into trip|~5h 7m in
Keep slight left at fork toward WA 167 South: Puyallup, West Valley Highway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward WA 167 South: Puyallup, West Valley High...
8
270.6 mi into trip|~5h 8m in
Keep slight left at fork toward West Valley Highway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward West Valley Highway
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$57.47 one way
$114.94 round trip
$5.32/gal25.4 MPG avg96 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.58
$60.27
$120.54
premium
$5.77
$62.36
$124.72
diesel
$5.61
$60.63
$121.26
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$57
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$82–$107
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 96.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
82.4
1
$28.83
$13.18
Efficient EV
68.7
0
$24.03
$10.98
EV Truck/SUV
109.8
1
$38.44
$17.57
Gas CO2
96 kg
EV CO2
32 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Apr 16, 2026
Origin
College Place, WA
Late night
in College Place on Sunday
Local time
5:04 AM
PDT
Current temp
74°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Federal Way, WA
Late night
in Federal Way on Sunday
Local time
5:04 AM
PDT
Current temp
56°F
Sunny
SW 6 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
18 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 16m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Klondike Gold Rush - Seattle Unit National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Seattle flourished during and after the Klondike Gold Rush. Merchants supplied people from around the world passing through this port city on their way to a remarkable adventure in the Yukon Territory...
19 mi from route
~48 min detour
Free
near mile 274.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highly efficient transit, as 97% of this route consists of highway driving. You will spend a good portion of your time on major corridors, including a long, uninterrupted 112.6-mile stretch on US 12. The road's personality is defined by these fast, high-speed segments that prioritize progress over winding, technical paths. Because the route is so heavily focused on highways, you should anticipate a consistent driving experience rather than frequent stops or slow-moving local traffic. It is a practical, no-nonsense path that allows you to cover the 274.6-mile distance with minimal navigation stress.
97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
32 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 112.6 mi on US 12.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 12 and US 97. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 45.8 miles in near I 182; US 12.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 274.6 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 45.8 miles (I 182; US 12): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 159.5 miles (US 97): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 245.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between College Place, WA and Federal Way, WA, road signs point toward Yakima, Snoqualmie Parkway: Auburn and Tacoma.
Known for its funny name and its famous Sweet Onions, Walla Walla in the Columbia River Plateau of Washington State is a pleasant stop with a charming downtown and booming wine industry.
This guide includes the neighboring city of College Place.
Federal Way is a city in King County on the Puget Sound of Washington State. It is the home of the Pacific Bonsai Museum and Rhododendron Species Botanical Gardens. With a population of 96,000 (2016), Federal Way is one of Seattle's largest suburbs.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 16m. Total distance: 274.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 16m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 112.6 miles on US 12. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Federal Way, WA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 45.8 miles (I 182; US 12): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 159.5 miles (US 97): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 245.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Klondike Gold Rush - Seattle Unit National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.3 hours each way, a round trip means 10.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Federal Way, WA before the return drive.
